Pakistan must work closely with President-elect Trump administration

Islamabad (Online): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Foreign Affairs Syed Tariq Fatemi has stated that Pakistan must work closely with the new US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump.

Tariq Fatemi expressed his concern regarding Pakistan’s work and cooperation with Trump’s administration. He also stated that Mr Trump`s business background and strong interest in economic ties match the policies and vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He said, “After years of tension and inconsistency in bilateralties there is an element of normalcy and predictability within the relationship between Washington and Islamabad since Mr Sharif came to power three years ago. The volatility that plagued U- Pakistani relations under previous regimes in Pakistan has subsided.”

He further added that the Trump administration must ensure that the relationship stay on an even keel and continue to progress gradually to successfully deal with the serious challenges facing Pakistan and the US in South Asia.

Fatemi refused all reports of pending major weapons sales between Russia and Pakistan, but also said that Islamabad is exploring all options from all countries to arm its country`s military.

He said diplomatic outreach to Russia also is focused onburgeoning economic and political relationships.

Prime Minister Sharif` s goal is to establish mutually beneficial economic ties with all countries and now we are reaching out to Russia, he informed.

He reitrated that Pakistan`s first preference would be to obtain weapons from the United States.

“We hope the administration will look at our request with an eye toward what those weapons systems can do in terms of promoting peace and stability in a difficult part of the world.”

On counterterrorism operations, Tariq Fatemi said Mr Trump s views align with those of Pakistan`s leadership. “We want people from the Trump administration to come to Pakistan and see for themselves the areas that have been cleared of terrorists, he emphasized.